This fabric conditioner / softener will make your laundry soft, fluffy, bright and, naturally, wonderfully smelling. It’s also very-very wallet friendly: 16 oz jar will cost you only about $0.80 – $1.50, depending on how in bulk you buy two of the three ingredients.

The third ingredient is free.

Another thing I absolutely love about this DIY is that you can make it as you go and thus save some space in your laundry room or kitchen. NYC’s real estate rates are simply insane and not everyone have the luxury of laundry room or even a washing machine in the kitchen for that matter. That 16 oz jar might as well be taking up a space of approximately 1/10 of some kitchens in Manhattan.

Supplies:

white vinegar

water

an essential oil of your choice. The essential oil is optional, if unscented is more to your liking.

I use lavender oil on most clothes and peppermint and/or eucalyptus on athletic wear and socks.

Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a bottle or cup, or jar and add a few drops of essential oil.

For large loads I use about 1 cup of the softener. So it’s 1/2 cup water + 1/2 cup white vinegar + 12-20 drops essential oil.

For medium loads I normally only use half a cup of the softener: 1/4 cup water + 1/4 white vinegar + 6-10 drops essential oil.

Shake well before adding.

All types of vinegar contain acetic acid and it brightens, softens and kills odors in your laundry. The reason I use white vinegar is that it’s much less acidic than cider vinegar, but most importantly it doesn’t contain natural plant dyes that may stain clothes.